We are so proud of the amazing work of our San Luis Obispo Food Bank. The group has amazing leadership and staff who have risen to the occasion to reduce food insecurity in our county and to work toward a positive future for food security in our area. I look forward to continued financial contributions and volunteer time to be part of the solution going forward.
Jeff Buckingham - Astound Broadband
SLO Food Bank is incredible! I have had the privilege of photographing several events for them, and I am blown away by the scope of their outreach & resourcefulness. I had thought "Oh, that's nice that they feed people who need help", but they do SO MUCH MORE than that. I learned that they are able to make a dollar stretch farther than most coupon-clipping pros; they help reduce food waste by gleaning produce from local fields; they offer offsite distribution for locals in multiple communities; they donate inedible produce to compost (or sometimes to feed turtles); they offer free children's farmers markets to educate about nutrition. The volunteers and employees I've met have an unshakable belief in the good of the work they are doing, and unmatched compassion for the people they help. If you're looking for a way to contribute to SLO's community, SLO Food Bank is a safe investment for your money, your time, and your service.
The San Luis Obispo Food Bank is an amazing operation and a terrific place to volunteer! I volunteer in the warehouse packing bags and boxes of food for distribution to clients as well as partner agencies. I also help with clerical tasks. The Food Bank staff are uniformly welcoming and clearly passionate about their mission. The atmosphere is very team oriented, and I feel valued as a volunteer. I am proud to know that my small contribution of time helps the Food Bank make a big difference in our community.
I've been a volunteer at the SLO Foodbank for a year and a half and I have nothing but praise for this organization! I've worked in the warehouse packaging food, and I've taken part in food distribution around the county, meeting some of the people that benefit from this organization and they're always happy and grateful that we're there to deliver. I appreciate the education I've received since starting there and have a better understanding of how impactful and important this organization is to our community. As a volunteer, it's a fun experience, you work with a lot of nice people (employees and volunteers alike), it's important work, and you feel good knowing you're helping others!
SLO Food Bank goes above and beyond helping our community. They help feed over 37,000 people a month. Great Gleaning team, Caring community partners who host pantries throughout the county and no cook bags for some of our unhoused community.
The CEO and Development team work their hearts out, raising both money and awareness while all the while showing care, compassion and good humor in their daily daunting tasks.
I have been both a volunteer at distribution sites, fundraising endeavors and a recipient when needed in getting delicious nutritious food complete with awesome recipes. I can’t think of any other non profit in SLO county that is so on point with their mission.
We have been volunteering at the SLO Food Bank for several years. The warehouse is very well organized so we can package an amazing amount of food to be delivered to the agencies who distribute it. One week there was such a large order on one day that office
staff ( including managers and the CEO ) worked with us to fill all the orders by end of day. The employees are always so friendly and up-beat that the shifts are fun.
We also volunteer with the Glean ( produce rescue ) arm of the Food Bank. They contact corporate farms, the local college Ag dept, businesses, Farmer’s Markets, people with backyard fruit trees, anyone they can think of, who have excess produce that they are willing to donate so volunteers can harvest, and the Food Bank can distribute. Produce that would likely go to waste, instead, is delivered to those who need it.
The SLO Food Bank - a great organization doing amazing work.
The foodbank of SLO is a great place to volunteer. It allows us to be a part of the huge effort to provide healthful food to those in our community who are food insecure. This work is so necessary.
Every time we work with the folks at the foodbank, whether it is gleaning, warehouse work, distributions, or other tasks, we are greeted by friendly faces of the staff and volunteers who make us feel appreciated and a part of something so vital. We applaud the foodbank staff for letting us be a small part of their huge effort.
I’ve volunteered at the SLO Food Bank for several years. I’m especially impressed with how organized the operation is. There is always something to do and the staff have everything planned out so we volunteers aren’t standing around. The staff is friendly, helpful, and always appreciative. The volunteer groups are a diverse and friendly group of folks. I’d recommend the SLO Food Bank as a very positive volunteer experience.
We have been donating monthly to SLO Food Bank for years now and trust them and what they are doing in our beautiful community. We highly recommend them as a potential non-profit for donor consideration. Come join us as a donor and/or a volunteer.
One of my two charities. Always happy to donate when I know it directly helps people in need in our community.
I’ve been a board member for nearly 5 years now and am so impressed by this amazing team and our CEO who leads them. They work so hard to make sure every dollar counts and that the people who need food get it. I couldn’t be more proud to serve such an amazing organization.
SLO Food Bank has been a staple of my community the entire time I've lived in the area. The program has benefited members of my family, and of the fellowship I belong to. Many of my friends have volunteered in different capacities and all have great respect for the integrity and ethics practiced by the organization. So far I have only been able to be a donor due to family, school and work commitments, but I have recently retired and plan to investigate the other opportunities available.
We live in California Valley we have a lot of people who don’t have transportation and with gas being so high it makes it hard to get people picked up to get there food for the past few months you have had a lady/ man coming out with our truck she/him is very rude and refuses to let us take food to people who need it they are refusing to give us our full hand outs as well she wants us to be calm but she calls us liars and refuses to believe us when we said there was a miss count on the food telling us she can’t give us food to deliver that’s over 5 people when you need to help out 7 even with papers signed but yet she/he gives to a lady at the school 10 and yet they leave here with the food that is greatly needed out here! It’s not her/ his food it’s the peoples food!!
As a professional land use consultant and having knowledge of SLO Food Bank via the county planning process, I was able to better understand the importance of their efforts in our community. Being a relatively small semi-urban/semi-rural community, we are all less than 6 degrees of separation from each other, meaning that we all seem to know people who know people and we work on a very local basis. While it is shameful that in such a prosperous country, our citizens still are homeless and hungry, that's where our "local" non-profits step in and play such an important and successful role. Leadership in a non-profit is so important, as well as the passion and hard work of staff and the myriad of volunteers. SLO Food Bank makes a noticeable difference in our community, and I would opine that they are, in fact, GREAT! C.M. Florence, AICP
The people are amazing--always helpful and friendly--and the entire operation runs smoothly from top to bottom. I started volunteering there to help the community, but I keep coming back because of the great people who work and volunteer there.
We first heard of the SLO Food Bank, from neighbors, when we first moved to Paso Robles. We were hoping to find a Food Bank that is dedicated to the Community. We are very impressed with their Community outreach.
The Food Bank also has many dedicated Volunteers!!
This is a sure sign, that the Slo Food Bank is an important part of the Community.
We will continue to support this great Organization!!
I have worked with agencies that provide food to those most in need, for mannnnnnnnny years, most recently the SLO Food Bank. The quality of their organization and their commitment to helping most in need has been truly awesome. Their current efforts are resulting in an 80% reduction in the number of people who are food insuficeint in SLO county.
You are truly awesome keep up your great work.
Anonymous Comunity Leader.
Not only does the SLO Food Bank feed people in need in our community, but they are also active in the business community which is why they are always top of mind when looking for a nonprofit to donate to. We have been fortunate enough to host two virtual donation drives in the past 1.5 years, one through the local Chamber of Commerce where we did a match and went above our original ask. It was also very easy to work with the team and gift donations in our clients' names last year, which was a well-received, end-of-the-year gift in 2020, our clients loved it. Whenever you are thinking of how to support your community, think of the SLO Food Bank!
I am a relatively new Board member (Jan. 2021) and I am reminded monthly about our ever-expanding reach facilitated by: 1) our growing number of partnerships, 2) our extremely efficient use of donations (both $ and food) and 3) our wonderful team, who is constantly looking for new ways to provide more meals throughout the county.
Mike Quamma
The SLO Food Bank Rocks! The Food Bank is the heart of our County in terms of procuring and distributing Food to over 80 agency partners Countywide who assist in meeting the needs of food insecure individuals and families. I can't think of another non-profit that has such a wide reach, working with and supporting many other non-profits in the County. Our team LOVES supporting the Food Bank both financially as a sponsor of Hunger Awareness Day and the Turkey Trot, but we also LOVE volunteering in the warehouse. Keep up the good work SLO Food Bank!
The SLO Foodbank does an incredible job of providing access to healthy and nutritious food to people at risk of hunger across all of San Luis Obispo County. With the ongoing impacts of the pandemic, children, seniors, people with disabilities and their families are all facing even greater risks of hunger. The SLO Foodbank has stepped up to do more than never before. Any they do so in such a cost effective way. Each dollar they raise provides seven meals to people at risk of hunger. As a board member, I feel so fortunate to be able to work with the dedicated team at SLO Foodbank to meet the needs of our communities.
The staff, volunteers and community partners are a seamless melding of efficiency, professional and capable people who care deeply about all our neighbors in SLO County. Their work has brought much needed relief and food security to tens of thousands over the years. Hard to imagine more love than that!
Great organization. Really helped raise visibility for hunger insecurity during covid crisis --something that has been there all along. Huge variety of ways to get involved. Inclusive creative programming. I don't make a lot of money, but they made me feel like even my modest donation could really help my community.
Volunteering for GleanSLO, part of the San Luis Obispo Food Bank, is a wonderful and fulfilling experience. Going to farms through out the county to pick fruit and vegetables, and to farmers markets and backyards to gather excess produce, provides vital and nutritious food to our county's food insecure. I get exercise in beautiful locations and help insure the health of neighbors. Fruits and vegetables are expensive, and on a limited food budget, too often these important foods are eliminated. It is fun to to learn how to harvest all this produce.
I personally have been a volunteer at the Food Bank and have had the privilege to bring volunteer groups as well. My volunteer experiences are what inspired me to pursue the opportunity to make a more significant contribution which in turn led to me joining the Board. Volunteering in the warehouse helped me better understand the needs and the amount of food insecure individuals in the County. The humble dedication of the staff and volunteers is contagious and has changed my priorities for how I help others. The work that is done by the Food Bank is essential and manner in which it is done is exemplary!
The SLO Food Bank is a critical origination for our County's residents. They have led the effort to ensure not only those with food insecurity get fed, but also those unable to leave the home due to COVID-19 risks. I don't know what we'd do with them!
The SLO Food Bank is an outstanding and well-managed organization that takes great pride in providing nutritious and healthy food to hungry families, children and seniors. The entire staff is well trained, super friendly and clearly passionate about meeting the needs of the community in San Luis Obispo County, as shown even more recently by their unparalleled response to the pandemic. This Food Bank has stepped up and met these challenges even with the cancellation of significant food drives this year. As a longtime volunteer, it has been a privilege and joy to be involved with such a great organization that makes a huge impact in our community every day.
Since the start of the pandemic, never once has anyone who has come to the Paso Robles Housing Authority for food gone without. Thanks to the SLO Food Bank, as our number of requests went up, we have been able to meet the need. When our numbers doubled, the SLO Food Bank said, "No problem." They are helpful, gracious, and proactive.
We cannot think of a more valuable resource to our community than the SLO Food Bank. It is the most efficient way imaginable to provide struggling families with their most immediate need. And as a result of the pandemic the need has multiplied. The Food Bank is meeting this challenge and continues to turn volunteer time and donor contributions directly into food for those who need it. No hype, no waste, they just get the job done. Amazing!
The SLO Food Bank deserves all the help and support we can afford to give.
SLO Food bank is an instrumental partner in providing food security to thousands of SLO County residents. This is done in the most beneficial manner with a focused outcome of helping those in need when needed most. Their COVID response has been nothing but exceptional and their new leadership truly embraces the ideals of a community non-profit. We are thankful and a better community to have them.
The team at the SLO Food Bank, from the CEO to the staff and volunteers have stepped up during these unprecedented times to meet the drastically increasing needs of our community during the pandemic. Transparency and 100% commitment to the core values of the organization are unparalleled. San Luis Obispo County is fortunate to have the SLO Food Bank to serve our community.
I have been involved with this organization for almost 6 years as a donor and a board member. My wife has volunteered for food distributions in Paso Robles. As my term on the board nears it end I am quite happy with the continued growth of the organization in serving the food needs of people who don't have enough money to make it through each month. This year has been a significant challenge with the need for food exploding. I am very impressed with the manner that the SLO Food Bank has met this challenge.
Several years ago while on a sportfishing boat out of Morro Bay I was chatting with a deck hand and mentioned that I was involved with the SLO Food Bank. He stated that he was very familiar with it as his job was only spring summer and fall and the SLO Food Bank was how he made it through the winter when there was no work.
As I am term out of board in December I will continue as a donor for the SLO Food Bank.
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I have been a Board Member of this charity for 3 1/2 years. Our new warehouse allows us to feed the hungry throughout the entire county of San Luis Obispo. We support over 90 agencies, such as food pantries, as well as doing direct food distribution from our fleet of trucks.
We provide this food for children and seniors and those in between. Some of these people are working poor that are employed but still cannot afford housing and healthy food. We make a difference to these people as we provide healthy food including fresh fruit and vegetables.
I am proud to support the Food Bank with my own donations. It is a fine organization and well worth your donations.
I volunteered at a Food Bank prior to moving to the San Luis Obispo area. It was such a fulfilling experience that I immediately contacted the SLO Food Bank and was warmly welcomed.
I am impressed at how well they use volunteers - each person is respected and feels like they are directly contributing to the Food Banks Mission of assisting in alleviating hunger in San Luis Obispo County.. Their extensive food partnership, local and state wide. insures that a wholesome supply of food is available even in these times of greater need.
Working there is also a great study in intake, sorting, packaging and distribution - a true end to end process that is managed by dedicated staff who understand the meaning of giving back
I have been volunteering in the SLO County Food Bank warehouse for two years. I absolutely love the work and the people. The food bank staff are always kind and encouraging towards volunteers. The other volunteers are very caring and hard-working. In the warehouse we prepare food orders that go out to the various distribution sites. It's very satisfying and busy work.
I am passionate about the food bank’s mission. There are many wonderful non-profits in San Luis Obispo County that offer volunteering opportunities. I’ve chosen the Food Bank because I think alleviating hunger is the most basic form of charity. Every human being deserves to have enough food and to be treated with dignity.
-Susie R
The Food Bank serves 30,000 people/month, so they rock! They could feed even more by spreading the word even more widely about their services.
They are very nice to the volunteers and clear with what they want us to do. They are helping the slo community out a lot!
Great customer service. Had an awesome time helping out, the employees were so nice. The process went very smoothly. And it was an overall great experience!
the food bank is extremely helpful and the staff on site is very warm and welcoming and helps with all of your questions and needs. the instructions are clear and i couldn't ask for more
The nonprofit does a great job of having friendly employees and are great at encouraging us to volunteer! The work is easy and fun in this environment.
A professional organization that helps 30,000 people a month have healthy food- Half is fresh produce donated from local farmers! Everyone should have access to food.
It is amazing to see how many charitable people in our community support the food bank either through volunteer hours or monetary donations. The Food Bank Coalition of SLO County brings healthy food to people in every corner of the county. They even go to CA Valley which is a food desert- no grocery stores. This food is an important safety net for people who are making low wages and paying high rents.
The whole FOOD BANK concept is a winner for the community...a place to secure and store food for all the local non profits and churchs to distribute. OUR local FOOD BANK is a modal for unity, fairness and inovation in ENDING HUNGER.
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As a volunteer and board member for almost 20 years I am always amazed at the efficient model of Food Banks...to collect and store food, to be a "supermarket" for local non profits who reach out to end local food insecurity. You should be assured that our local SLO Food Bank, now in its new warehouse, is one of the best rule organization I know of. You can trust that your donation will be used and leveraged to meet our mission to end local hunger. Come and see! Your welcome to come and carefully evaluate our programs as you decide where to volunteer or donate locally.
They make their volunteers feel valued and welcome. They have lots of work for us and are always open to ideas. Great folks doing important work!
They work efficiently and with smiles. They have great organization and ensure that everyone is well fed.
Absolutely committed to their mission and to the betterment of the community. Great supportive partner.
They are serving large numbers at low cost. More public information about some of their lesser known activities.
The Slo food bank does an amazing job of providing clients with fresh produce. I have volunteered for several years with GleanSlo which harvests backyard and farm produce for local families. They are incredibly organized and have a diverse base of volunteers including kids, high school and college students, stay at home parents and retirees.
The Food Bank coalition does a fantastic job of providing food to underserved families in our community. In addition, they provide edu pride to both recipients and volunteers. Best of all, they keep their organization costs minimal so money goes where it is needed.
Volunteering with the SLO Food Bank is fantastic. They are so well organized that you know the time you are volunteering is making a meaningful impact. They are super with both adult aychild volunteers. I highly recommend this wonderful organization!
The fact that 30,000 people receive supplemental food each month motivates me to give. The fact that over half is fresh produce keeps me giving. Excellent staff and mission.
What a great organization and a great cause! I recently took a tour of the new San Luis Obispo food distribution facility and offices. Everyone in San Luis Obispo county should be proud of such a first rate facility and staff. What better cause than to feed the hungry in our community. I would advocate for anyone wanting to make a difference in our community to contact the Food Bank. Joe Simonin
An essence of life is healthy food! The SLO County Food Bank provides such a commodity to the most vulnerable members of our community. A dollar donation is converted to over $ 10 dollars in healthy and nutritious food that helps alleviate hunger in San Luis Obispo County.
Hello, my name is Paula and I am a Volunteer at the Food Bank. I work at the front desk, so there is filing, phone answering and just in general meet and greeting of other volunteers and employees. I work directly with Malinda...what a joy this gal is! The knowledge and compassion that she has of this organization is amazing, such a delight. Also working along side Caroline,our Community Outreach/Volunteer Coordinator, watching and listening to her interact with the other volunteers face to face or setting up programs on the phone is truly a young women who enjoys what she does and smiles all the way thru it! This non-profit is more than I ever thought, this is a all round 'Community Gathering' of helping and being there for all people in San Luis Obispo County...BRAVO to this organization!
I am proud to say I have been working at the Food Bank for over 9 years. It's an amazing organization with the most incredible team and volunteers. No one should go hungry and the SLO County Food Bank is working tirelessly to make sure everyone has access to nutritious food!
I have worked for the Food Bank Coalition for over a year and a half. I am so thankful to have a job that everyday is working to benefit children, seniors, families, and individuals, that are food insecure in our community. This is done by an incredible staff that make coming to work each day a joy, thousands of dedicated volunteers, and supportive community partners who believe in our organization's mission. Being able to say that you truly love what you do each day is something that I am so fortunate to be able to feel each and everyday. Our organization is a true non-profit, doing good honest work for others in need.
I have had the honor to work with and for the Food Bank Coalition of San Luis Obispo County.
My husband and I first began working with the Food Bank when we planted a few extra rows of produce indenting to donate the extra crop to the Food Bank. We loved knowing our produce was going to residents in our county who had a hard time putting food on the table. The Food Bank invited us to participate and witness a Children's Farmers Market, allowing us to see directly where the produce was going.
I have worked for the Food Bank for a little less than a year now and I am continuously impressed at the heart and soul this company has.
Every employee has the same committed to feeding our community, it is a wonderful and inspiring workplace.
I have had the honor of working at the Food Bank for over 5 years now. From start to finish, even after all this time, I am amazed at the process of getting food in and out of our warehouse and to families that are in need.